Hammarby IF won the G14 category
It was a close match that ended in a hectic penalty shootout.
SKF Arena provided brilliant sunshine when it was time to kick off the final between Sweden's Hammarby IF and the American team Iconz Elite in the G14 category.
Hammarby entered the match with only one goal conceded throughout the tournament, and it quickly became clear why. Their fast and strong fullbacks, combined with their reliable central defenders, made it difficult for Iconz Elite to create scoring chances.
Iconz Elite also had a strong defense that didn’t allow any dangerous opportunities, resulting in most of the play occurring in the middle of the field.
- We played well. Our build-up play was fantastic, we rolled the ball up to the midfielders who then passed it out to the wings. It's just the final third that needs to be better, said the team's captain, Elvira Wide.
It took until the 41st minute for the first goal to come. Iconz Elite got a free kick just outside the penalty area, which Hadley Allen neatly curled straight into the goal. Just minutes later, Hammarby responded by equalizing to 1-1. Number 99, Ellen Marquez, had a good scoring chance inside the penalty area, which she took advantage of by placing the ball into the goalkeeper's near post.
- We didn’t think much when they scored, we just kept fighting and stuck to our game plan. It was incredibly relieving to quickly equalize, we could relax a bit, continued Elvira.
The match ended 1-1 after regular time and went to a penalty shootout, where Hammarby's goalkeeper, Ellie Röhr, became the big match-winner. With two saves, she helped Hammarby win the match.
- She is so incredibly awesome. After her two saves, we knew we would go all the way. The feeling right now is fantastic, there's nothing better, Elvira concludes.
Hammarby IF - Iconz Elite
SKF Arena
5-3 (penalties) (0-0)
Congratulations, Hammarby IF, on winning the Gothia Cup 2024.